Check out the latest in music news, concert announcements and nightlife from Monitor entertainment staff writer Miriam Ramirez.
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February 10th, 2008, 7:28 pm by mramirez
Is it just me or is this year’s Grammy awards super exciting so far???
Prince!!!
Kanye!!!
Tina (Turner)!!!
And it’s not even 9 p.m.!!!
I’m uber anxious for my favorite Brit, Mizz Amy Winehouse…and her live-via-satellite performance.
Ok, I’m more nervous.
Right now, Dave Grohl and the rest of the Foo Fighters are tearing things up orchestra style outside the Staples Center.
Oh, and there’s John Paul Jones, “of Led Zeppelin if you’re a moron.” (I love Jason Bateman)
Stay posted for a full Grammy Wrap Up by yours truly, tomorrow.
See what I have to say about the winners, losers and the truly outrageous moments of the night.
Enjoy the rest of the show!
Posted in: Music | Post a Comment »
February 8th, 2008, 9:56 am by mramirez
South by South West Music and Film Festival is right around the corner, kicking off March 7 with the film portion of the event.
And on March 12 the music begins!!!
Yesterday, officials announced the full list of showcasing artists and I really have to say it’s a pretty diverse batch of musical acts.
From Chiodos to Chingo Bling, to REM and Dolly Parton the week’s worth of artists will be a sight to see.
In a perfect world I would be able to check out Vampire Weekend, N.E.R.D., Ice Cube and The Black Keys to name a few.
My brother, who camps out-outside of any Relapse showcase is excited to see what metal bands squeeze through. We both fondly recall-a then little known band-called, Mastodon, who made quite the impression on us. My bro counted the people inside Emo’s that one year, and included himself and the soundman, it was about, ohhhh, a baker’s dozen.
Whodda thunk they’d be these mega metallers in 2008?
Other names that stuck out on the list, aside from the usual culprits from Austin, were Indie favorites Yo La Tengo, Thurston Moore and Moby.
Of course folks who are actually granted access will have about 1,600 bands and 79 stages to choose from. (That’s aside from the super rockin’ day parties).
Every year a couple of Valley bands get in on the action. This year, only a few I saw made the showcase list: McAllen rapper,Drojo; local blues-man,Guitar Shorty and Brownsville transplants Del Castillo.
Let’s hope local bands take this opportunity to head to the Live Music Capital of the World to street-promote.
Don’t have a showcase? No problem!
Take a stack of demos, heck even some merch if ya got it, and promote, promote, promote!
You never who you’ll run into downtown.
SXSW gets a lot of flack for what is said to have turned into this commercial conglomerate where “if you’re not press, industry folk or the Toadies,” as one guy put it, you’re going to be left out in the cold.
Well, don’t let a little “bracelet” stop you from seizing the opportunity to let people know about your music.
Call it what you want, you can only gain from an experience like that. Maybe your band has never made an impromptu road trip. This is your chance to put yourself out there.
If your band decides to head to Austin give me a holler! Heck, maybe we’ll caravan.
Shoot me an email: mramirez@themonitor.com or catch me on MySpace.com/adriemiriam
And don’t forget
Tickets go on sale today for the Rotting Christ and Immolation show, March 1. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by phone at: (877) 993-8499.
Tickets are also available at Melhart’s Music in McAllen and all Wireless Toyz locations.
And…
Show your support for bands battling it out online for the chance to open up for Flyleaf at Dodge Arena.
Polls open at 5 p.m. today, Two bands will enter, only one will walk away the winner each day.
The Band Smackdown will consist of one-on-one band votes (Listen to both clips and vote for your favorite out of the two)
And there will be a cage battle of all of the bands in a single “vote for your fave”!
The winner will be determined from both vote results as well as the judging panel.
Go here to get in on the action.
Enjoy your Friday…
Posted in: Music | 2 Comments »
February 6th, 2008, 2:22 pm by mramirez
It’s official.
Mom-to-be Jennifer Lopez and hubby Marc Anthony are having twins, as per People En Español.
J-Lo’s proud papa told the Spanish television show, Escandalo TV his diva daughter is proudly expecting the double package, sex still unknown.
I predict a set of little divas. JLo is due any day now.
It’s official
Our favorite Kumbia King-turned-Kumbia All Starz is FINALLY branching out on his own. Hasn’t this solo career been in the works for ever now? I guess he finally realized his presence on the stage went far beyond just another boy band. Granted, the Kumbia Kings and Kumbia All Starz are terrifically talented and bonafied eye candy but Pee Wee, born Irvin Salinas, stood out from the get go.
Kudos Rio Grande Valley (by way of La Joya) for sprouting such a fine young boy , er, man.
There’s also word that several other KAS will fly the coop, but still no word as to who those brave souls will be.
Aside from Pee Wee’s boyish charm, I’m not sure the others can stay afloat without the backing of the Quintanilla brand.
Hey, hey, you, you…
As the Avril Lavigne camp prepares for their tour launch March 5 in Victoria B.C., and against reports she’s preggers, several celebrity gossip sites have stirred allegations of Lavigne’s “sub-standard” pay toward dancers.
After the dance community, mainly out of Hollywood, decided to boycott auditions held Monday, the singer and her peeps allegedly changed their tune.
Way to go Perez!!!
The Sk8r girl will be here April 24 and I’m sure the show has already sold like hot cakes. As much as the pint-sized Canadian makes my blood boil, her songs are infectious. Seriously, I memorized “Girlfriend” the first time I heard it. And I vividly recall the first time I heard “Complicated,” it was about 2 a.m., I was driving to Weslaco, and I immediately called my partner in crime, Chelsea.
“What the hell is that song? And why do I like it?”
I’m sure a lot of you out there can relate. Sure she’s a big brat, but dang that girl has some muscle behind her writing. Rob Cavallo, Butch Walker, The Matrix? Good lord! What more do you need? (Are you listening Kelly Clarkson?)
Why my job rocks…
One of the many perks of being a features and entertainment reporter are all the goodies we get here and there.
I have in my hands, thanks to our friends at Nuclear Blast, a fresh copy of Avantasia’s, The Scarecrow. Yes, my friends, Tobias Sammet of Edguy and his side project.
After five years of silnece, Sammet decided to “reanimate his Avantasia project and record a follow up to his highly praised metal operas in 2001-2002,” the Indie label said in a press release.
This new album is full of cameos!!! Eric Singer from KISS on drums and vocals; Alice Cooper, Michael Kiske of Helloween and some guitar work from Rudolf Schenker of the Scorpions.
It offers everything from hard rock, stadium rock, rock ‘n roll, new rock to melodic metal and even speed metal…but as one friend put it, straight up POWER METAL.
Now that’s music to my ears.
Posted in: Music | Post a Comment »
February 5th, 2008, 11:12 am by mramirez
As I recover from Sunday’s disappointment…it’s time to get back into the game.
So much going on kids!!!
First off, don’t forget to get your tickets to the following shows:
* Bound by the Road Tour featuring: Devil Driver, Napalm Death, 36Crazyfists, Invitro and Walls of Jericho. (March 10, Tickets are $20)
Show has been confirmed for Smoking Aces in Mission…and before you go on and say, “that place is too small,” bar owners said they will gut the entire venue to accomodate a bigger crowd than normal.
Tickets are expected to sell out.
* Emery, Feb. 23 at Cine El Rey. (Advance tickets, $15)
* Aiden, Feb. 25 also at Cine El Rey. (Advance tickets, $12)
* M&M Spring Break Jam, on March 1, featuring: Fat Joe, Gorilla Zoe, Flo Rida, DJ Unk, and Baby D. (Tickets, $20 at South Padre Island Convention Center)
According to sources, tickets to both DontGetEmo shows are selling fast. So get yours today!!! Ticket outlets for all said shows include, Melhart’s, Lionel’s Western Wear and all Wireless Toyz locations. Skip the lines and charge by phone at (877) 993-8499.
This just in…
Q 94.5 “The Rock”station announced, “Band Smackdown,” an online battle of the bands. The winner earns the opening slot in support of Flyleaf, March 21 at Dodge Arena, along with $1,000 cash.
Voting begins Friday. Bands will compile a score based on a panel of judges and online voting. Vote as often as you can.
For the full details and contest rules click here.
So far, we know that local rock band Driving the Nails is in the running. These guys and gal are really pulling out all the stops in 2008. So they will definitely provide a healthy competition among contestants.
I’ll admit, I’m not a huge fan of BOB style competitions, for various reasons, but who knows maybe this one will be different considering it will be up to the fan vote.
Then maybe we’ll get a fair end result. I can’t wait to see who enters. If you or your band decide to get in on the contest, let me know so I can keep tabs on the competition. Good luck to all!
New at TheMonitor.com
Be sure to check out the newest online video feature, Hot Spots on the Scene. Staff Writer Sandra Gonzalez hits the town capturing the nightlife at local bars, clubs and hangouts.
Here’s where you come in musicians…We need music!
If you’ve got ORIGINAL material and think you have what it takes to be the featured artist, send us an MP3 of your hottest tracks and we’ll take it from there.
It’s definitely an exciting way to get some added exposure and perhaps gain some new fans along the way.
An added bonus, if you play at let’s say, Newman’s, España or any bar with live music, you’re already one step ahead.
Kudos to our first band, BoxWhiskey, out of Edinburg. They were selected as the featured artist for the inagural Hot Spots video.
You could be next!!!
Remember, email me at mramirez@themonitor.com.
I’ll leave you with this…
What’s a Tuesday without a little YouTube action?
Add some heavy metal pros and a fainting pop star and my day is almost complete.
Enjoy.
Posted in: Music | Post a Comment »
February 3rd, 2008, 8:30 pm by mramirez
This blog has nothing to do with music.
And I don’t have the words for the sick feeling I have in the pit of my stomach.
My dad said it…”those Giants have heart.”
And I said, “you know what Pa, you’re right.”
And I started to get nervous.
I think I sent about 150 text messages in four quarters.
Final score…Giants 17, Patriots, Disappointment.
“Undefeated versus Undaunted” is right, Kirk Benefield.
A perfect season gone in vain. At least for me.
I did get to see my man score a Super Bowl touchdown, which was worth the loss, I guess.
This was an amazing game.
Giants were a force to be reckoned with and a lot of us definitely underestimated them.
Who are these cob webs on the podium? Just give the players their trophy.
Geez.
Well, the Super Bowl came and went. But I really have to point out the rockin’ halftime performance!!!
Tom Petty brought the house down! It helped me forget about Jordin Sparks’ almost live National Anthem.
Petty hasn’t lost his swagger.
And for next year, we could really do without the Ryan Seacrest red carpet pre-show. Goodness gracious. That was just pathetic. Does Seacrest have any idea what a football looks like?
I’m just upset. Don’t pay any attention to me.
I really thought we had this one.
Now I know what Cowboy fans must feel. (Both of us lost to the Super Bowl champs).
Ouch.
See ya next season.
Posted in: Misc. | 1 Comment »
February 1st, 2008, 3:12 pm by mramirez
Dear Randy Moss…
I am your biggest fan.
I’ve followed you from your time in Minnesota…your mooning incident, the time you left the field a little early…and your tension-filled relationship with Daunte Culpepper.
You were my No. 84. My one and only reason for Sunday football.
I followed you to Oakland…which alot of us still want to forget.
You ‘just weren’t into it,’ and I stayed close. Ready when you were.
That day didn’t come.
Until now…you’re in New England. And by default I’m cheering for the greatest team in recent memory alongside one of the best QB’s of all time.
(I say one of the best, because Danny White and Joe Montana will always be my Numero Uno and Dos).
Anyway, all season I defended my allegiance to you, Mr. Moss. No, I’m not a diehard Pats fan, but by default, this season was a lucky one for me.
Wagon-jumper…fairweather fan…poser….Yeah, I’ve heard it all. Especially now as we inch closer to the Big Game on Sunday.
My favorite player has made it to the Superbowl. It’s like watching your child graduate.
(Even though I don’t have kids, I bet it feels like this).
So what if he’s not perfect off the field…He hasn’t “made it rain,” at a strip joint or tortured animals, allegedly. At least not this passed year.
I love Randy Moss because he is Randy Moss.
Ask anyone, take a look at my desk…it’s littered with Randy’s face
Will the Pats send the Giants packing? Who knows.
I’m nervous only because it’s the most important game of the season and I would love to see my man get a ring.
His childhood buddy Jason “White Chocolate” Williams of the Miami Heat (my other favorite athlete) has a championship under his belt…now Moss needs one of his own.
I’m not predicting a score…cause you never know with these types of games…but I’m certainly hoping for a good matchup.
El Ocho Uno!!!! For life vatos!!!
Now here’s what some metal bands are saying about the big game.
I always find it somewhat sexy when metal heads/musicians get really into sports.
It’s kind of like an abberration. You wouldn’t expect a guy with tattoos, rockstar hair and a metal library to hunker down on the sofa and understand the ‘ol gridiron.
For example, my man-friend is a die-hard Cowboys fan. It’s rather nauseating. From his Emmitt Smith jersey to the Cowboy star tattooed on his chest…he eat, sleeps and breathes Cowboy football. (However, he never gave in to what he calls, “Romo-itis” he’s more of a Aikman, Smith, Irvin kind of guy).
Maybe that was the ‘ol hook, line and sinker for me. Our date night usually includes Inside the NFL on Wednesdays. Who knows what we’ll do once that’s over.
Nonetheless, it’s nice to break away from stereotypes and take pride in your team (whichever it may be). Trust me, we often have a few “discussions” about several NFL teams.
He respects my adoration for Moss, though. He better. Randy was here first.
So after the Patriots trample the Giants, you should definitely hit up Smoking Aces in Mission for the All-American Massacre Show.
Only the more reason to party with these guys.
Mike Ski checked in from the road and is still stoked about their stop here in the Valley.
I will be ready to celebrate!!!
Posted in: Music | Post a Comment »
January 30th, 2008, 3:46 pm by mramirez
I’m totally OK with those of you who could give a rats right eye about this…
BUT…I know there are those that do.
Seems like more reports have surfaced about a possible NKOTB reunion and it still makes my heart go pitter patter.
Seriously it’s all I can talk about with my gal pals. I even thought about changing my pen name to Miriam McIntyre.
I seriously need a vacation.
Speaking of pitter patter…
Tuesday’s tele-conference with the Jonas Brothers was sweeeet!
I’m still floating.
I didn’t think I would be able to get my questions in, considering some reporters from other print media were hogging all of the time.
But I did…and from what I can remember…I believe Nick answered my question. (In my mind I wished for Joe to do the honors, but Nick will do).
These guys are so genuine it’s kinda nauseating.
I want them to be scandalous and fame mongers…but they’re the exact opposite.
They spoke about their core family values and about how much they love making music and making fans happy at the same time.
In my sick and twisted mind I want them to curse. Talk smack.
Give me something.
But they’re pleasant and such respectful young men, I shouldn’t want them to fall into the death trap of ‘pop starlets gone wild.’
And for those who care, Nick made it “clear” he and Miley Cyrus AKA Hannah Montana are “just friends” and “never dated.”
But what a cute couple they would make, doncha think?
All joking aside, this trio of brothers are not only easy on the eyes but uber talented. If you haven’t already done so, check out their newest single.
You gotta love my kaleidoscope of musical taste.
But this could be even better news…
Remember this tiny mishap a few months ago? Well, our friends at Don’tGetEmo want to make things right.
You heard it here kids…Chiodos are set to make their triumphant return to the RGV, on March 13, this time at the Pharr Convention Center.
This time there won’t be any reason for cancellation. This stage is well-equipped and ready to rock your pants off.
Here’s the BEST part.
Tickets for the show are only $5!!! Yes, $5.
AND…anyone still holding a ticket from last year’s no-show will finally be able to use those. Click here for more info.
Also on the calendar…
Book ‘em Nano productions proudly presents Chevelle in concert at Graham Central Station in Pharr.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday and are $23. And I believe this is an 18 and over show….I’ll keep you posted on that, though.
I’m a bit hesitant whether this show will draw a crowd or not but ever since the band released their fourth studio album, Vena Sera, they have indeed resurrected onto the airwaves and stage.
They were last seen on tour last year with Evanescence, Finger Eleven, and Strata.
Chevelle’s first single, “Well Enough Alone,” can be heard on the local rock station.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ez-tixx.com or by calling (877) 993-8499. Ticket outlets include: Wireless Toyz locations, Melhart Music, Lionels Western Wear (Weslaco) and the Pharr Convention Center.
Are you ready???
Kanye West just announced he is hitting the road once again in the Ocho!!!
Oh Em Gee!
This was my New Years resolution!!! I vowed wherever he performed stateside-and close enough to get to by car-I would be there!
In his blog all he posted (all he NEEDED to post, anyway) was a Star Wars-esque poster of his upcoming Glow in the Dark tour. By the looks of it he’s taking quite the crew with him on the road for opening support: Rihianna, Lupe Fiasco..N.E.R.D.
I can’t sit still.
No dates have been released yet, but when they do make sure you’re on your toes to snatch those tickets. I guarantee this show will be the event of the year! (unless Prince decides to visit me at my McAllen apartment)
And finally…
Congratulations are in order to Mr. and Mrs. Gwen Stefani who are expecting their second bambino. Now that Kingston James is almost 2 the happy couple thought it was time to add to their glamorous team. All those baby rumors, as reported by the celebrity tabs were true. See…I don’t read for nothing!
Who knows if this bundle of joy will interfere with any plans for a No Doubt reunion now a few years in the works. According to StarPulse the band was set to start recording their new album this year but still no word if all that has gone down just yet.
No Doubt fans have that seven year itch…don’t you care Gwenny Gwen Gwen?
This sh*@ is bananas!!!
Posted in: Music | 1 Comment »
January 28th, 2008, 3:46 pm by mramirez
I thought this was cute…
Heck, it might be your lucky day for love…
Hot Kiss 106.3 FM is having their first ever Singles Auction to benefit The “Teach The Children” Foundation!
Register now!
They will pick a few people and on Feb 13 at The Oxygen Bar in Harlingen, make your bids! The winning bids will have dinner with your winner next door at Khan’s Grill! Register Now!!
Visit this link for details.
This just in…
As we prepare for Borderfest, the folks at Dodge Arena announced the opening act for Alan Jackson.
Kicking things off Feb 28 is country singer/songwriter Rodney Atkins.
You might know his chart-topping songs including, “Honesty (Writer Me A List),” “These Are My People,” and “Cleaning My Gun (Come On In Boy).”
Also coming to the El Valle…
Is Capitol Records recording artist Chris Cagle.
He will be puttin’ on quite the show at this year’s Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show in Mercedes.
Show is March 7, tickets are $20.
As much as I’d like to stay and chat…
I’ve got to prepare for my big conference call with The Jonas Bros. tomorrow afternoon.
Oh sweet Mary! I am beyond excitement.
If anyone has any suggestions for questions I’d be more than happy to listen!!!
I have a few up my sleeve (PG of course)…
I don’t care if you don’t care.
Just let us have our moment.
If you don’t like the boys, turn the dial or change the channel. But these boys are everywhere so it’ll be hard to stay away.
On that same token…be sure to get your tickets to the Hannah Montana Best of Both Worlds 3D Concert, which premieres this Friday!!!
Most of us weren’t able to snatch tickets to her live show, so here’s the next best thing!!! The 3D digital movie will be shown in theaters around the Valley.
And yes, you’ll get the nifty 3D glasses with the purchase of your ticket.
I’ll be there… with my new Hannah Montana tee.
And what? POP OFF!
Posted in: Misc. • Music | 1 Comment »
January 28th, 2008, 12:42 pm by mramirez
I was awakened this morning by one of the most fabulous text messages of my adult life.
My best friend in Austin alerted me of a New Kids on the Block reunion tour.
WHAT THE?????
It was just two days ago I was YouTubing down memory lane…jamming out to NKOTB, circa 1989, when Joe McIntyre was my only reason for living.
And then I get this text!?!? It’s not even my birthday!
Well, I get to work and the first thing I do is hit the Net because I know ‘m not the only former teeny bopper who worshipped these Beantown Babes!!!
Well, according to People.com a well-placed source says there was speculation of an NKOTB comeback.
As the mag reported, the New Kids Web site was up and running as of Monday and a few teasers seemed to get the rumor mill swirling.
This was the comeback of comebacks.
Well, according to Danny Wood, a posting on his MySpace page says otherwise.
“I wanted to address the rumors of the NKOTB Reunion Tour,” Danny Wood wrote on his MySpace blog this morning. “There has been no talk of this and you are getting it from the source directly. He added, “You can’t believe everything you read.”
But he allllllso said, ”Never say never!”
I’m confused…
Nearly every celebrity, pop-culture news agency is calling the rumor true, but it’s still too soon to tell for sure.
Showbiz Spy says the “reunion” is more of a resurrection of the New Kids name, perhaps to recruit new members ‘a la Menudo style. Not necessarily a reunion tour.
Don’t they know how successful this would be??? Think about it…most of us who were enamored with this pioneering boy band are now well into our late 20’s, 30’s…and so on. Unlike 1989, we have careers, cars and some type of “allowance” to spend on those concert tickets!!!
The ‘Kids themselves are pushing 40, but still have that boyish charm…
Wood, Jordan Knight and Joe McIntyre are still very much involved in the music biz, while Jonathan Knight leads a normal life as a real estate developer and Donnie Wahlberg, a working actor, respectively.
But let’s not forget back in 2002 when a majority of the guys refused to participate in “Reuniting the Band” on VH1.
The show sought out members from past music groups who had since broken up, for a one-show comeback.
TV crews knocked on doors looking for these once-famed artists. Well, on one show, it was the New Kids’ turn.
I was amped for this one!!! Could you imagine seeing all the guys on one stage??? It was a light-hearted show for the most part…sometimes pretty funny how some artists needed a little extra coaxing to cave in.
For the New Kids, even the coaxing didn’t work…well, except for Jordan and Jon.
Danny, Donnie and Joe would have nothing to do with it.
ESPECIALLY Joe.
It broke my heart…and kinda made me mad. Look, we know you’re “serious” Broadway star and have an appearance on Dancing With the Stars under your belt…but come on!!!
What’s ONE performance?
It would’ve been my chance to bust out my oversized buttons and dust off all of my NKOTB paraphanelia. My best friend and I were comparing who had what back in the day.
She swears her concert t-shirt feels like paper mache.
I still have the posters, Bop pin-ups and video tapes. And my parents keep reminding me to take them to my new home.
I don’t think I’ve moved them from under my bed since ‘94.
I still know all of the dance moves (no, really I do) and I still think that Donnie was my first brush with a bad boy.
It’s heart-breaking…
My friend and I were prematurely planning our trip to wherever they would perform this time around.
And then I get the news that it all might be one big crock of…you-know-what.
I can say I enjoyed the rumor while it lasted. I guess I will just have to stick to my nostalgia via YouTube.
Now, if only there was a chance Steve Perry would return to Journey?
Posted in: Music | 3 Comments »
January 24th, 2008, 4:03 pm by mramirez
Hold on to your chonies…
Deadgift Entertainment just announced yet another mindblowing show coming our way this Spring. March 10…(venue TBA)
The Bound by the Road Tour featuring:
Devil Driver
Napalm Death
Walls of Jericho
36 Crazyfists
Invitro
Tickets available via www.ez-tixx.com
$20
This show is expected to sell out!!!!!
And is going to be INSANE!!!!
Stay tuned.
Posted in: Music | 1 Comment »
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